A Cup of Ambition is a weekly newsletter filled with thought-provoking essays, interviews, links, and reflections on all things related to working motherhood.
We've talked to our 5 year old about abortion before, but because she's 5, she forgets. So we revisited it this week. Our exchange:
Me: Abortion means that if a mommy doesn't want to be pregnant before the baby is born or becomes a person, she doesn't have to be. A doctor can do surgery or give her medicine to end the pregnancy.
5YO: That's a great thing! I love that! Wow! That's just...that's really great!
Me: Well, the reason we're all upset right now is that some judges are saying some people won't be able to have abortions anymore.
5YO: I AM GOING TO SMASH EVERYTHING. WHERE IS MY BAT? I NEED A BAT. Can we build a catapult and catapult the judges into a fire?
So I'm feeling pretty good about the next generation, if we ignore a lot of the tantrums she threw this week.
To be totally honest, I am still way too angry to talk to my kids about abortion. I mean, I've definitely mentioned it over the years -- especially when I got my tubes tied and our cat got spayed in the same month, and we talked about the choice not to have any more babies, and why I was (so, so happily) undergoing permanent surgery to that end, and why we didn't want more kitties in the world -- but not in light of recent events.
Last Friday evening they overheard my husband and I talking about what we might do, in the future, if we ever need to help them get abortions (i.e., where and how, not any sort of moral quandary... I never thought I'd hear myself utter the words, "Thank God for Illinois" ðĪŠ), and I could tell immediately that my 8yo's antennas had perked up, because my antennas went up at the same time (funny how that works). It was a short conversation, partially because we realized they were listening, and partially because the intensity of my feelings is still so high and so raw. I am in no shape, currently, to discuss it with them. Maybe in a few weeks, maybe months, I don't know -- I'm not going to hold myself to a timeline. When I am able, I'll do it. Until then, board games ð
We've talked to our 5 year old about abortion before, but because she's 5, she forgets. So we revisited it this week. Our exchange:
Me: Abortion means that if a mommy doesn't want to be pregnant before the baby is born or becomes a person, she doesn't have to be. A doctor can do surgery or give her medicine to end the pregnancy.
5YO: That's a great thing! I love that! Wow! That's just...that's really great!
Me: Well, the reason we're all upset right now is that some judges are saying some people won't be able to have abortions anymore.
5YO: I AM GOING TO SMASH EVERYTHING. WHERE IS MY BAT? I NEED A BAT. Can we build a catapult and catapult the judges into a fire?
So I'm feeling pretty good about the next generation, if we ignore a lot of the tantrums she threw this week.
Here's hoping this next generation stays feisty! ðĪðĨ
To be totally honest, I am still way too angry to talk to my kids about abortion. I mean, I've definitely mentioned it over the years -- especially when I got my tubes tied and our cat got spayed in the same month, and we talked about the choice not to have any more babies, and why I was (so, so happily) undergoing permanent surgery to that end, and why we didn't want more kitties in the world -- but not in light of recent events.
Last Friday evening they overheard my husband and I talking about what we might do, in the future, if we ever need to help them get abortions (i.e., where and how, not any sort of moral quandary... I never thought I'd hear myself utter the words, "Thank God for Illinois" ðĪŠ), and I could tell immediately that my 8yo's antennas had perked up, because my antennas went up at the same time (funny how that works). It was a short conversation, partially because we realized they were listening, and partially because the intensity of my feelings is still so high and so raw. I am in no shape, currently, to discuss it with them. Maybe in a few weeks, maybe months, I don't know -- I'm not going to hold myself to a timeline. When I am able, I'll do it. Until then, board games ð
Timing is everything and it's wise to know that now isn't the right time for you. Sending you love and peace âĪïļ
Ooh, those board game suggestions are golden! Thanks for those!
Let me know if you end up getting any--I'd love to hear what your family thinks!
Kluster in particular caught my eye! And we love Sleeping Queens and Dixit too :)
Kluster currently the most-played game in our house! Both kids love it--and younger kids can 100% get the hang of it.